FERRI-CHECK®

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

Anaemia due to iron depletion is widely held in children and women of all ages but mainly in women who still have their period (at least 20% suffer iron deficiency). Main signs as paleness, feeling tired, headaches, faster heartbeat or shortness of breath during exercise appear gradually and could go unnoticed. Therefore, it is important to determine if the available iron is sufficient for the body’s needs.

Iron deficiency occurs when blood does not contain enough red cells and thus low levels of haemoglobin which is a major protein involved in oxygen transport in whole body. An important component of haemoglobin is iron. Depletion in iron, which can happen during pregnancy, growth, in case of insufficient iron intake, inadequate absorption or blood loss (periods, abnormal bleedings, ulcers etc.) have tremendous effects on health.

Caution: This test is not appropriated for patient suspected of or suffering from hemochromatosis.

The FERRI-CHECK® by PHARMA Southern Africa is a rapid immuno- diagnostic test for the assessment of ferritin (a protein capable of storing iron in cells) from finger prick whole blood sample. Therefore FERRI-CHECK® could be used for the screening of potential iron deficiency.

WHEN SHOULD THE TEST BE PERFORMED?

FERRI-CHECK® should be performed in case of symptoms like paleness, feeling tired, headaches, faster heartbeat or shortness of breath during exercise mainly when pregnant or in case of copious periods.

The test can be performed at any time of the day but must not be performed in case of diseases, acute inflammations or in case of spleen or liver injury. Positive results could be obtained even in case of no iron deficiency situation.

WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO IF THE RESULT IS POSITIVE?

If the result is positive, it means that the ferritin level in blood is lower than the norm (20 ng/mL) and that you should consult a doctor to show the test result. Then, the doctor will decide whether additional analysis should be performed.

INCLUDED IN KIT

A sealed aluminum pouch containing:

• 1 test device, 1 plastic pipette and 1 desiccant bag
• 1 sterile lancet for blood sampling
• 1 dropper bottle containing 1 mL of diluent
• 1 instruction leaflet
• 1 alcohol pad

HOW TO USE

Testing procedure always starts with a good preparation. Place the content of the box on a clean, dry and flat surface (e.g. table). Then the testing follows:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly. Use soap and warm water. Dry your hand with clean towel.
2. Prepare the test device and the pipette. Take them out from the protective pouch (tear at the notch) and place them in the reach of your hands (you will need them later). Discard the desiccant bag.
3. Prepare the lancet. Hold the lancet without touching the trigger button. Unlock the lancet cap twisting it off 1⁄4 turn until you feel it separates from the lancet and then continue twisting it (2-3 rotations). Don’t pull just twist and discard the cap when finished.
4. Clean the end of the middle finger or ring finger with the alcohol pad. Rub the chosen finger towards the tip for 10 to 15 seconds to enhance the blood flow.
5. Press platform firmly against the lateral side of the previously cleaned finger, and press the release trigger button.
6. The tip will automatically retract into the body of the device.
7. Rub the finger’s end to obtain enough whole blood sample.
8. Without pressing the bulb, put in contact the plastic pipette with the blood sample. The blood migrates into the pipette through capillarity to the line indicated on the pipette. You may rub again your finger to obtain more blood if the line is not reached. As far as possible, avoid air bubbles.
9. Put the blood collected with the pipette into the sample well of the device, by pressing on the pipette bulb.
10. Wait 30-40 sec for the blood being totally absorbed into the sample well. Unscrew the blue cap of the diluent dropper bottle (leave the white cap tightly screwed) and add the diluent as follows: Hold the diluent dropper bottle vertically and slowly add exactly 4 drops in the sample well of the device with an interval of 2-3 seconds between each drop.
11. Read the result within 10 minutes. Do not interpret after 15 minutes.

Click here to view the patient information leaflet.